Full Breakdown
2028 World Cup of Hockey Set for Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague
3/17/2026, 8:05:51 AM
Overview of the Event
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) have announced that Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will co-host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This tournament marks the return of the event after a hiatus since 2016, aiming to showcase the best international hockey talent in a best-on-best format. The competition is scheduled for February 2028, featuring eight nations competing over 17 games across three venues.
Host Cities and Venues
Calgary's Scotia Place, a new arena set to open in the fall of 2027, will host seven games, including six round-robin matches and one elimination game. Edmonton's Rogers Place will host the semifinals and the final, while Prague's O2 Arena will also host seven games, mirroring the structure in Calgary. Each city will play a crucial role in the tournament's format, which includes two groups of four teams competing in a round-robin format.
Tournament Structure and Rules
The tournament will consist of 17 games played over 13 days, with the NHL pausing its regular season for 17 days to accommodate the event. The top three teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, with the first-place teams receiving a bye to the semifinals. Notably, the tournament will adhere to NHL rules, meaning that overtime in elimination games will follow a five-on-five format, contrasting with the three-on-three format used in recent Olympic competitions.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The event is projected to generate an estimated $375 million in economic impact for Alberta, benefiting local tourism and hospitality sectors. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating it would showcase the province to a global audience and create jobs. The NHL and NHLPA plan extensive fan engagement activities, including unique events and media days, to enhance the overall experience for attendees.
Official Statements and Responses
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “There is no international competition in sports that matches the passion, skill, and excitement of hockey’s best-on-best coming together to represent their countries.” NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh echoed this sentiment, highlighting the players' eagerness to participate in international competition.
Criticism and Opposition
While the announcement has been largely positive, questions remain regarding the participation of Russia due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Bettman noted that no decision has been made regarding Russia's involvement, stating, “We’re going to see how things develop. Time will tell.” This uncertainty reflects broader concerns about international relations affecting sports.
What's Next
Further details regarding participating nations, ticket sales, and the complete tournament schedule will be announced in the coming months. The NHL and NHLPA are actively working on securing media rights and sponsorships to maximize the event's visibility and success.
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey promises to be a landmark event for international hockey, bringing together top talent in a celebration of the sport across three vibrant cities.
